When David Letterman invites SRK to speak, over a billion people in India plus many desi expat fans tune in to listen. And when he’s invited on Netflix, that opens up the viewership extravagantly. Of course, the superstar brought his A-game and a gift of the gab to match David’s.
“My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” by David Letterman has hosted the likes of Barack Obama previously.
Hence when David’s team asked SRK, ‘How would you like to be introduced?’ he replied – ‘But isn’t this program called, My next guest needs no introduction? So why do I need an introduction?’
Here’s Why Everyone Loves Shahrukh Khan!
Shahrukh Khan has the rare ability to speak his mind and answer questions with comments that are both self-deprecatory as well as quick comebacks to the person asking them. He will laugh at himself, but he will also shoot a point across to spar in a light-hearted, sharpshooting sort of way, that is both endearing, and yet, keeps the other person wondering what’s coming next?
His ability to connect with his audience and appear a normal person, just like the rest of us, has won many hearts – and perhaps marks the missing link between a star and a superstar – For though we love to idolize our stars, we want them to be normal, just like us – that normalcy, the ability to be like the person next door, the same as us with his children, with his family and friends, ironically is what makes them a superstar! And SRK proved his superstar status, yet again.
Letterman is no stranger to smart talkers, (being one himself), however, this time he had competition. Did SRK leave David speechless? Yes, he did. At least a few times. And we have those moments for you.
David Letterman’s talk show skills were tested to the hilt as SRK’s witty retorts came easy. Here are 6 times we loved his responses, and we think you will too!
1. I’ll do what the Americans do, I’ll just apologize publicly.
Shahrukh admitted to cheating once on a test to gain full marks so his mother would take him to the movies as a reward. Upon hearing this, Letterman asked if his fans would be a bit disappointed to know of this unethical behavior, and Shahrukh replied, without missing a beat, Oh no, I’ll just do what the Americans do. I’ll apologize publicly! The talk show host was lost for words.
2. The script was good but the performance fell short.
David faked a knife cut injury in Shahrukh’s kitchen. Shouting Oh no! and clutching on to his finger with full-on dramatics – all the works. Shahrukh appeared unfazed and coolly asked him if he should do the chicken himself. You mean you weren’t tricked at all? Said, David. I’ve been an actor for 30 years, David. The scripting was good, yes, when you mentioned the sharp knife before you faked it, but the performance fell short! Oh well, we know who’s the actor here. Don’t up him at his own game puhleaaassse!
3. The way we are procreating, you might end up with an Indian president 5-6 years down the road in America.
David asked what the Indian population thought of the present US president. And Shahrukh retorted: Well, I guess you deserved him? If that wasn’t enough, he went on to say that at the rate India is growing (procreating) America might witness an Indian voted into the presidential office in a few years! Touche Shahrukh – that one’s still smoking, we think.
4. ‘I feel that a person goes from this world when they’re ready to go’ – Shahrukh.
Hence I tried to stop my mom at her death bed by telling her I’ll be really mischievous and naughty, so you better stick around. Shahrukh lost both his parents at a young age. In order to desperately try and hold her back, he pretended to annoy his mother into staying in this world. Amazing logic that, but David was stumped. And so were we! The machinations of a child are very surprising and unpredictable when he is engaged in a battle with God. Shahrukh explained the battle in his teenage mind so explicitly, that it really touched the hearts of millions of his fans.
5. I don’t get angry any more, I’m on medication.
Is he or isn’t he? Shahrukh very candidly explained his meltdowns on two separate occasions. One at a cricket stadium during IPL and the other, at a newspaper office, when they published something that was clearly in tasteless humor. I got angry and misbehaved, says Shahrukh. But now I’m on medication. Letterman was quite taken aback and asked Shahrukh again: But – are you on medication? No, replied Shahrukh, looking him in the eye. Oh well, whether he is, or whether he’s not, his meltdowns have certainly decreased, so good going there SRK! We’re with you all the way!
6. How long do you plan to rule hearts in India?
Oh well, I calculated, about till I’m … 106 years old? This was greeted by a burst of laughter from the crowd! Do we have a response to that! NO! But we hope you stand true to your word, coz if you don’t we will be engaged in a battle with God to keep you back, just like that 15-year-old boy at his mother’s bed. Good going and keep acting – long enough for the next generation to stand up and greet you at your home on Eid!
Want to know more? Shahrukh Khan revealed to Letterman, that his inspiration in life was American actor Michael J. Fox. He loves Michael’s use of space and energy on screen. He never seemed to grow old, says Shahrukh. His fav movie was Back to the Future – all the sequels. And now that he’s said it, we see the connection too! Shahrukh on screen is a whole lot of energy. (Just like Michael). Despite his many years in Indian cinema, he’s managed to keep that going, and fans love every moment of it, whether SKR’s movies do well at the box office or not, the actor stays true to his performance, because he gives it his 100% – the mark of a true superstar!
*Disclaimer: The content for this article was extracted from the Netflix Talk Show: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction by David Letterman. We did not attempt to quote the participants of the show but merely reported the conversation in order to relive the flavor of what transpired as two experienced stars sparred on stage before a live audience. We hope you enjoyed it!
Shazia likes to pen her thoughts when she feels passionately about a life experience, a person or an event. She is mother to 3 lively boys and along with her husband, attempts to settle in her new country by taking German lessons so she is able to soak in the culture, language and spirit of the region.
“Wake up in the morning, take a deep breath and exhale! Keep on living with a passion that inspires others! “
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